scholarly journals Attractive males have faster sperm in three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Mehlis ◽  
Lukas K. Hilke ◽  
Theo C. M. Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Honest Signals ◽  
Sexually Selected Traits ◽  
Sperm Characteristics ◽  
Sexual Ornamentation ◽  
Breeding Coloration ◽  
Sperm Movement

Abstract Recent studies have revealed that sexually selected traits may signal sperm quality and hence male fertilisation ability. There is also evidence that the expression of male sexual ornamentation and associated sperm characteristics depend on an individual’s ability to cope with oxidative stress. Carotenoids are known for their antioxidant properties and carotenoid-based ornaments might represent honest signals as these pigments can be traded off between the investment in sexual ornamentation, sperm function as well as immune response. In this study, we examined the relationship between sexual ornamentation (breeding coloration) and sperm characteristics (e.g., velocity and morphology) in the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, an externally fertilising fish species, in which sperm competition commonly occurs. During the breeding season males are sperm limited and develop a conspicuous carotenoid-based coloration, which is under strong pre-copulatory sexual selection due to female mate choice and male-male competition. The results of the present study show that the expression of stickleback male breeding coloration is significantly positively associated with the linearity of sperm movement, whereas sperm morphology (head length to tail length ratio) is significantly negatively related to the trajectory of sperm movement. Moreover, there is some support for the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis as the intensity of male red breeding coloration is significantly positively correlated with sperm velocity, which is supposed to be an important determinant of fertilisation success in external fertilisers, indicating the honesty of the sexually selected nuptial red coloration.

scholarly journals Dynamic resource allocation between pre- and postcopulatory episodes of sexual selection determines competitive fertilization success

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1817) ◽  
pp. 20151279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Mehlis ◽  
Ingolf P. Rick ◽  
Theo C. M. Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Male Reproductive Success ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Food Quantity ◽  
Sexual Ornamentation ◽  
Breeding Coloration

In polyandrous mating systems, male reproductive success depends on both mate-acquisition traits (precopulatory) and sperm competitive abilities (postcopulatory). Empirical data on the interaction between these traits are inconsistent; revealing positive, negative or no relationships. It is generally expected that the investment in pre- and postcopulatory traits is mediated by environmental conditions. To test how dietary resource availability affects sexual ornamentation, sperm quality and their interrelationship in three-spined sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ), full-sibling groups were raised under three conditions differing in food quantity and/or quality (i.e. carotenoid content): (i) high-quantity/high-quality, (ii) high-quantity/low-quality or (iii) low-quantity/low-quality. After 1 year of feeding, food-restricted males developed a more intense breeding coloration and faster sperm compared with their well-fed brothers, indicating that they allocated relatively more in pre- and postcopulatory traits. Moreover, they outcompeted their well-fed, carotenoid-supplemented brothers in sperm competition trials with equal numbers of competing sperm, suggesting that food-restricted males maximize their present reproductive success. This may result in reduced future reproductive opportunities as food-restricted males suffered from a higher mortality, had an overall reduced body size, and sperm number available for fertilization. In accordance with theory, a trade-off between the investment in pre- and postcopulatory traits was observed in food-restricted males, whereas well-fed males were able to allocate to both traits resulting in a significantly positive relationship.

The influence of ambient ultraviolet light on sperm quality and sexual ornamentation in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Oecologia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 174 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingolf P. Rick ◽  
Marion Mehlis ◽  
Elisabeth Eßer ◽  
Theo C. M. Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Ultraviolet Light ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sexual Ornamentation

scholarly journals Antioxidant Effects of Ocimum Gratissimum Leaf Essential Oils as a Supplement to Extender on Chilled Canine Sperm Quality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vui Van Nguyen ◽  
Samorn Ponchunchoovong ◽  
Sajeera Kupittayanant ◽  
Pakanit Kupittayanant
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Ocimum Gratissimum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Antioxidant Effects

Abstract Background:Oxidative stress during chilled storage is a major problem withcanine sperm. To improve the quality of chilled canine sperm during storage, many synthetic antioxidants have been examined, but different outcomes were investigated depending on antioxidant properties. The bioactive compounds of essential oils fromOcimum gratissimumleaves are known as a natural antioxidant source. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of essential oils from Ocimum gratissimumleavesas a supplement in extender on chilled canine sperm during 12 days of storage. Results:The results showed thatlow concentrations of Ocimum gratissimum essential oils (25, 50, and 100µg/mL) have beneficial effectson sperm quality, whereasOcimum gratissimumessential oils athigh levels (above 200µg/mL) have harmful effects. Specifically, the addition of 100µg/mL ofOcimum gratissimum essential oilsto the extender had the greatestbeneficial effect in improving the quality of chilled canine sperm, and had a significant difference in all sperm quality parameters except motility when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions:Ocimum gratissimum essential oilshave an impact on chilled canine sperm quality in a dose-dependent manner, and the best results areachieved with a maximum dose ofOcimum gratissimum essential oils of 100µg/mL.

scholarly journals Reproductive evaluation of bucks (Capra hircus L.) with usual management in herds from Benito Juarez, Guerrero, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro E. Hernández-Ruiz ◽  
Ethel C. García y González ◽  
Blanca C. Pineda-Burgos ◽  
Enoc Flores-López ◽  
Edgar Valencia-Franco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Capra Hircus ◽  
Reproductive Characteristics ◽  
Sperm Characteristics ◽  
Benito Juarez

Objective: To evaluate the reproductive characteristics of male goats (Capra hircus L.)with habitual management on their herds at Benito Juarez municipality, Guerrero, Mexico.Design / methodology / approach: Ten male Creole goats from seven herds wereevaluated, aged between 2 to 7 years and 2 to 3 body condition (BC). The males wereevaluated regarding their sexual behavior, sperm quality, physical examination andreproductive clinical evaluation.Results: All the assessed male Creole goats displayed sexual behavior (P &lt; 0.05).However, for the males of three of the evaluated herds the sexual behavior was lower (P &lt; 0.05). Of the ten electro-ejaculated males, 20% ejaculated and 80% did not (P &lt; 0.05). From the males that ejaculated, a sperm concentration of 224 x 106 and 16 x 106 spermmL -1 was recorded for the first and second male. Finally, the physical and clinicalreproductive evaluation concurred with the established parameters for the species.Limitations of the study / implications: Under the conditions in which the study wascarried out, it was not possible to evaluate males in the same age conditions andreproductive characteristics. However, this allowed collecting information from fieldconditions so that producers can apply it for herd improvement.Findings / conclusions: The male Creole goats of the evaluated herds showed intensesexual behavior with low sperm characteristics.

scholarly journals Impact of Environmental and Lifestyle Use of Chromium on Male Fertility: Focus on Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara C. Pereira ◽  
Pedro F. Oliveira ◽  
Sónia Rodrigues Oliveira ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Pereira ◽  
Marco G. Alves
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Chromium Picolinate ◽  
Chromium Vi ◽  
Valence States ◽  
Chromium Compounds ◽  
Male Reproductive Health

Male reproductive tissues are strongly susceptible to several environmental and lifestyle stressors. In general, male reproductive health is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which results in reversible and/or irreversible changes in testosterone-producing cells, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. Chromium compounds are widely used in the +3 and +6 valence states, as food supplements, and in the industrial field, respectively. Chromium (III) compounds, i.e., Cr(III)-tris-picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], known as chromium picolinate, are used as nutritional supplements for the control of diabetes, body weight, and muscular growth. However, previous studies showed that animal models exposed to chromium picolinate experienced degenerative changes in spermatogenesis. Contradictory results are documented in the literature and deserve discussion. Furthermore, the long-term effects of chromium picolinate on the antioxidant system of treated subjects have not been properly studied. Comprehensive studies on the role of this compound will help to establish the safe and useful use of chromium supplementation. On the other hand, chromium (VI) compounds are widely used in several industries, despite being well-known environmental pollutants (i.e., welding fumes). Chromium (VI) is known for its deleterious effects on male reproductive health as toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic. Previous studies have demonstrated severe lesions to mouse spermatogenesis after exposure to chromium (VI). However, workers worldwide are still exposed to hexavalent chromium, particularly in electronics and military industries. Data from the literature pinpoints mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by chromium compounds in somatic and germ cells that lead to apoptosis, thus underlining the impairment of fertility potential. In this review, we analyze the benefits and risks of chromium compounds on male fertility, as well as the mechanisms underlying (in)fertility outcomes. Although supplements with antioxidant properties may maximize male fertility, adverse effects need to be investigated and discussed.

scholarly journals The Antibacterial and Antioxidant Roles of Buckwheat Honey (BH) in Liquid Preservation of Boar Semen

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Qun Lan ◽  
Yingyu Xie ◽  
Jiahua Pan ◽  
Qiaohui Chen ◽  
Tianfang Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Liquid Storage ◽  
Boar Semen

In the present study, we hypothesized that buckwheat honey (BH) should be regarded as a potential alternative to antibacterial and antioxidant agent in liquid storage of boar semen. To this end, boar semen was firstly studied for in vitro dose tolerability to BH by measuring sperm progressive motility. The optimum progressive motility of boar spermatozoa was observed in extender with 0.5% and 0.6% BH addition. Afterward, sperm quality parameters, bacterial profile and composition, total antioxidant (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of control, BH supplementation, antibiotics supplementation, and incorporated supplementation were compared during liquid storage period, to further investigate antibacterial and antioxidant properties of BH. The results showed that BH supplementation significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, inhibited opportunistic bacterial growth, and altered microbial compositions at the end of preservation. Additionally, T-AOC, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly higher in the BH supplementation group than those in the control and antibiotic supplementation group, whereas MDA level exhibited opposite change pattern. Importantly, BH addition to the extender was able to exert a synergistic effect in combination of antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that the appropriate concentrations (0.5% and 0.6%) of BH were added to the extender could act antibacterial and antioxidant roles in liquid preservation of boar semen.

scholarly journals Optimal analysis conditions for sperm motility parameters with a CASA system in a passerine bird, Passer montanus

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Yingmei Zhang ◽  
Jian Ding ◽  
Shiwei Ai ◽  
Rui Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Movement Trajectory ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Sperm Velocity ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Casa System ◽  
Motility Parameters ◽  
Sperm Movement

Abstract Background Sperm motility parameters, which can be measured objectively and repeatedly by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, are important indicators of sperm quality. However, the sperm motility parameters assessed by a CASA system can be affected by various factors, including instrument components and settings, sperm preparation or analysis procedures. To date, no standardized protocol is available that would permit to assess sperm kinetic characteristics in passerine birds and this lack precludes any comparison of sperm swimming ability and sperm quality across species. Methods In this study, we chose the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) as the object to evaluate sperm motility parameters, including sperm motility, sperm velocity and sperm movement trajectory, at different analysis time, temperatures and pH using the WLJY-9000 CASA system. Results Sperm motility parameters remained statistically unchanged at 1‒9 min. Progressive motility was similar at 38 °C and 40 °C, but a greater percentage of slow progressive sperm was detected at 38 °C compared to 40 °C and 42 °C. Additionally, progressive motility was lower and immotility was higher at 42 °C than 38 °C and/or 40 °C (close to the body temperature of the Tree Sparrow). The percentages of rapid progressive sperm, progressive sperm and immotile sperm were statistically similar at pH 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 with the exception of lower percentage of progressive sperm at pH 7.0 compared to pH 7.5. In addition, slower sperm velocity and worse sperm movement trajectory were found at pH 6.0 and 9.0 than those at pH 8.0, 7.5 or 7.0. Conclusions Our study indicates that the ideal conditions for sperm motility parameters assessment in Tree Sparrow are obtained between 1 and 9 min after dilution, an environment at body temperature (40 °C) and a pH around 7.5‒8.0. The results of this study provide a reference for the evaluation of sperm characteristics and sperm quality using a CASA system in passerine birds.

113 EFFECT OF SPERM COATING ON THE QUALITY OF BOVINE FROZEN - THAWED SPERMATOZOA

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
M. Thys ◽  
A. Van Soom ◽  
J. Dewulf ◽  
T. Rijsselaere ◽  
A. de Kruif
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Bovine Sperm ◽  
Sperm Characteristics ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The substantial decrease of sperm quality after cryopreservation remains an important issue in the artificial insemination industry. Sperm coating with Triladyl® (Minitübe, Tiefenbach, Germany) during ejaculation can preserve sperm characteristics and oocyte penetrating capacity of fresh bovine spermatozoa stored in egg yolk diluent for up to 6 days (De Pauw et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 1109–1122). Since collecting semen in a tube containing egg yolk-Tris extender (sperm coating) limits the period of contact between spermatozoa and seminal plasma, the present experiment was conducted to assess if this slightly adjusted method of sperm collection could also have a significant effect on bovine sperm quality after cryopreservation. Semen of five young Holstein Friesian bulls was collected by means of an artificial vagina connected to an empty tube (Group 1; five ejaculates per bull) or a tube containing 4 mL of an egg yolk-Tris extender (Groups 2 and 3; each five ejaculates per bull). The semen samples of Group 1 were conventionally diluted in straws (60 × 106 sperm/mL), frozen, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The samples of Group 3 were centrifuged, and after removing diluent and seminal plasma, the sperm pellet was conventionally diluted and processed. The samples of Group 2 were processed without removal of the supernatant. After thawing each ejaculate was analyzed for average path velocity (VAP), beat cross frequency (BCF), and progressive motility (PROG) using CASA (Minitübe, Tiefenbach, Germany). Furthermore, the membrane integrity of each sample was evaluated using fluorescent SYBR®–14/PI staining (BD Biosciences, Erembodegem, Belgium). All parameters were compared among the three groups of sperm using univariate analysis of variance (SPSS 12.0; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). No significant differences could be observed among the three groups for all of the evaluated sperm characteristics (Table 1). A significant effect of the bull could be determined for all analyzed parameters (P ≤ 0.02), except for the percentage of moribund cells. Nevertheless, the group-bull interaction was never statistically significant. Coating bovine sperm with an egg yolk-Tris extender during ejaculation cannot prevent the substantial deterioration of the spermatozoa that occurs during freezing and thawing since this method of sperm collection does not significantly influence the motility parameters or the membrane integrity after thawing. Table 1. VAP, BCF, PROG, and percentage of membrane-intact, dead, and moribund spermatozoa for the three groups of sperm This research was supported by IWT (no. IWT/020727).

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